• black friday sales

    Haul | 2022 Black Friday and Holiday Sales

    December 8, 2022

    Hi everyone!

    Today, I’m sharing what I got from Black Friday and Holiday sales! In the past two years, it seems like I do the most damage in October and November because I just can’t resist a Black Friday sale!

    I’m not going to put the prices up because I’d rather not see the grand total of what I spent during the sales, but I will include the discount.

    Sephora – 20% off

    • First Aid Beauty KP Bump Eraser Body Scrub with 10% AHA
    • bareMinerals Original Foundation Broad Spectrum SPF15 in Light

    Shiseido – 30% off when you spend $200

    • Eyelash Curler (comes with replacement pad)
    • 2 x Eyelash Curler Pads (2 replacement pads per pack, so I got 4 in total lol)
    • Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer in 202 Light
    • Synchro Skin Self-Refreshing Concealer in 203 Light
    • Overnight Wrinkle Resisting Cream (for my mom)

    Kiehl’s – 25% off

    • Centella Sensitive Facial Cleanser
    • 2 x Ultimate Strength Hand Salve
    Bottom left is Blondo, middle is Skechers

    Mejuri – 20% off when you spend $150 (I believe this is the only sale they have throughout the year)

    • Twist Ring in 14k White Gold
    • 2x Single Mini Hoop in 14k White Gold

    Last year, I bought the Single Mini Hoops and I’ve been wearing them ever since. I decided to get 2 more for my second piercings. To bump it up to $150, I also got the Twist ring. Last year, I got the Braided ring. I haven’t worn it much though, because it looked a bit plain on its own. So now I have the twist one to stack. Their diamond huggies are super cute too.

    Old Navy – 50% off code for being a Navyist Rewards Member

    • Creaseless Hair Clips 4-pack (Tortoise shell/Coral pink)
    • Dynamic Fleece Pullover Hoodie in Icelandic Mineral
    • Vintage Long-Sleeve Sweatshirt in Inkwell
    • Printed Flannel Pajama Pants in Red Fair Isle

    La Vie En Rose – 2 for 1

    • Soft plush Robe in Lilac Cloud
    • Soft Plush Robe in Black Buffalo Plaid

    Naturalizer – 30% off

    • Blondo Skylar Waterproof Combat Boot in Black Suede (wide)

    I have wide feet unfortunately and I’ve realized it’s ridiculous to put bandaids on my pinky toes when I wear my winter boots. I was on the hunt for a nice pair. I got these Blondo boots in wide. I read a few reviews, but it’s hard to decide based on a few website reviews, so I just decided to try them. They were definitely not wide. I know Blondo is known for having a narrow fit, but I thought maybe these would be okay. These were probably what would be considered a regular fit for other brands. I was wearing regular, thin socks and while my foot fit into them, they would be super uncomfortable. You could also see the shape of my foot in the boot and it just didn’t look nice. Unfortunately, they only accept returns online which means they charge $8 to ship it back to them (taking it off your refund).

    The Shoe Company – 30% off?

    • Skechers On-The-Go Glacial Ultra-Woodlands Wide Winter Boot in Black Suede

    Skechers is a brand that I own quite a few running shoes from. Even with their regular fit, they’re very comfortable. I recently purchased a wide fit sneaker and they are super comfy for me. So I got these knowing that Skechers is a brand that I like.

    Spanx – 20% off for regular priced items, I think. I got something from the sale section, so it was 50% off

    • Spotlight on Lace Regular Waist Brief in Vintage Rose
    Clockwise from top left (gray): ribbed cotton, cotton cable lace, pointelle high cut, cotton eyelash lace, period underwear

    Aerie online order – 30% off sale or something

    • AerieREAL Period Underwear (I will be posting a review on this once I’ve tried it out)
    • AF Super Cropped Scoop Neck Cami in Black
    • Wrap One Piece Swimsuit in Black
    • High Neck Henley Tank Top in White

    I bought the swimsuit because I realized I sold all of my swimsuits on Poshmark. Even though I haven’t gone swimming/to the beach in 6 years lol, I thought it’d be good to have one just in case. I was disappointed when I tried it on and ended up returning it. I don’t think I have a particularly long torso, but the body was so short (it was cutting into my butt). I can’t imagine a taller person wearing it. Even though you can adjust the straps to make it a bit longer, it would make the bust lower and the wrap part just wasn’t flattering to begin with…It wasn’t giving any lift to the girls. When I was thinking about buying it, I was a bit worried about whether it would stretch from wrapping it all the time, but I wanted to try it anyway since they have free returns. Back to the drawing board for this one. 

    Aerie in-store purchase – 10 for $40

    • Pointelle High Cut Bikini Underwear (high cut, peek of cheek)
    • Cotton Cable Lace Boybrief Underwear (regular rise, no cheek peek)
    • Cotton Eyelash Lace Boybrief Underwear (low rise, no cheek peek)
    • Ribbed Cotton Boybrief Underwear (low rise, no cheek peek)

    I have previously purchased Aerie underwear a few years back and the boybrief underwear were really stretchy and too big. I got the same size in all of the underwear I bought and it just didn’t fit right. I’ve had time to try all of the underwear I bought and they all fit nicely. The Cotton Cable Lace ones are my favourite. A lot of my underwear are low rise and I’ve realized how much I like a regular rise.

    With all of the online orders, I managed to get about $20 cashback from Rakuten.

    (not sponsored or anything, but this is a referral link to sign up. You get $30 if you use the link and I will too).

    Did you pick up anything during the Black Friday sales?

    Love,

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  • moms everyday makeup

    My Mom’s Everyday Makeup | 2019

    August 2, 2019

    Hi Everyone!

    So, here’s an update to my mom’s makeup routine!

    Check out my previous post here!

    Her skin type is oily and she uses powder foundations. She tried a cushion, but ended up giving it to me because she doesn’t like liquid foundation. She dislikes eye makeup (especially mascara), so she only ever curls her lashes.

    Morning Skincare – Update

    Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 Day Emulsion – Mom loves the Shiseido Benefiance WrinkleResist24 collection. Originally, I bought her the Day Cream, but she didn’t like that it came in a pot (for her day cream…for some reason, she’s fine with using the potted creams for nighttime). So, we got the Day Emulsion which comes in a bottle with a pump. She must like it because she bought two more bottles at the Shiseido Warehouse Sale.

    She also has a few different SPF products floating around. I don’t know which one she’s currently using on her face, but we have the Shiseido Ultra Sun Protection Lotion and the Neutrogena Ultra Sheer one.

    Primer & Colour Corrector – Update

    Make Up For Ever Step 1 Equalizer Primer (Smoothing)

    L’Oreal Magic Skin Beautifier BB Cream- Anti-Redness (read my review) – My mom said the smell is starting to affect her too, so if anyone knows of a product that’s similar, please let me know!

    Foundation – Update

    After the Sephora MicroSmooth Baked Foundation, she used the Shiseido Sheer and Perfect Compact Foundation in I20 Natural Light Ivory. This was a nice foundation, but the shade wasn’t quite right and she finished it fairly quickly compared to the Sephora foundation because the pan isn’t very deep.

    Giorgio Armani Luminous Silk Powder Foundation in 5.5 – The shade 5.5 is a bit dark, so if she were to repurchase, she’d go down a shade or two. She’s enjoying the foundation – it’s very smooth and looks beautiful. One thing she doesn’t like about the compact is that it comes with a sponge and the middle part with the powder flops back and forth (like the Physician’s Formula Butter Bronzer), powder collects in the sponge section which is wasteful.

    Concealer – No Update

    Estee Lauder Double Wear Stay-In-Place Flawless Wear Concealer in Warm Light Medium

    She still uses this concealer and she likes the consistency.

    Eyes – No Update

    Tweezerman Lash Curler

    She doesn’t wear eyeshadow or mascara.

    Blush – Update

    Lancôme Blush Subtil in Aplum – Plum-mauve blushes are her favourite! The compact for this blush isn’t the best though. My mom accidentally dropped it and it chipped off the edge because it’s just plastic. Also, why do high end blushes have to come with those useless brushes?

    Lips – Update

    MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Spontaneous – I bought this at the MAC Warehouse Sale and my mom is just using it to finish.

    MAC Cremesheen Glass in It’s A Strike – Same as the patentpolish pencil, this is not the right shade for her and she’s just using it to finish it.

    Makeup she has in her purse to touch-up throughout the day:

    Clinique Superpowder Double Face Makeup in Matte Neutral – to get rid of the shine.

    MAC Lustre Lipstick in Midimauve – I gave her this one since it’s a more sheer lipstick than the satin lipsticks. It has a bit of pigment and shine – looks more like a tinted balm.

    Vaseline – glossy and easy to apply without a mirror.

    What do you use for your everyday look?

    Love,

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  • gummiband hair cords

    Revisiting My 2017 Favourites | Part 2

    December 7, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Today, I’m revisiting my favourites from 2017. I’ve posted Part 1 of revisiting my Best of 2017 post (read here). There’s some overlap in my monthly favourites and Best of 2017 post, so if they aren’t listed below, they’re in that post.

    SEPTEMBER

    Maybelline Fit Me Concealer – When I used this, I never tried it as an under eye concealer. I need to buy it again and compare it to the Age Rewind Concealer.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Milani Color Statement Lipstick in 26 Nude Crème – I love the shade, but I don’t really like that it smells like a watermelon jolly rancher.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Milani Keep It Sweet Sugar Lip Scrub – Initially, I liked this, but I didn’t really like it after a while. It would just make the dead skin move back and forth and not slough it off.

    Repurchase? No.

    Milani Eye Tech Perfection Liquid Liner – This was a great liner, but I just don’t use liquid liner that much.

    Repurchase? No.

    Milani Retouch + Erase Light Lifting Concealer – I liked this concealer; it was thick, but it blended nicely.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Estee Lauder Pink Perfection Breast Cancer Awareness Kit – If you’ve read my post on Products I Regret Buying, this kit is on it. The eyeshadows were nice, but the shades they chose weren’t useful for me. I need a transition shade that’s matte and this didn’t have one. I did enjoy the lipstick, but not in the shade that came with it.

    Repurchase? Unavailable because it was limited edition. But I wouldn’t if it were still available.

    MAC Patentpolish Lip Pencil in Kittenish – I really like this lip pencil. It’s a hybrid of a balm and a lipstick.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    OCTOBER

    Garnier All-in-1 Cleansing Micellar Water – Love this!!

    Repurchase? Absolutely! I do want to try other ones first to see how they compare.

    NOVEMBER

    Clean and Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Purifying Cleanser – I really liked this cleanser. It woke me up in the morning with the citrus scent.

    Repurchase? I don’t think you can buy this anymore.

    Dove Nutritive Solutions Coconut and Hydration Shampoo – So, a few years ago, I got eczema on my hands and legs and I stopped using a bunch of products to rule them out as a cause of the eczema. I stopped using Dove products and haven’t started using them again. I used to use Dove products all the time and had no problems, so I don’t think it was the cause, but I just haven’t purchased anything since I finished this shampoo.

    Repurchase? Maybe.

    Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – I love this!! I wish I had bought this when I first started using lash curlers.

    Repurchase? YES!!!

    DECEMBER

    Tory Burch Perfume (Original) – I love this. It makes me feel grown up, but it’s not old lady-ish.

    Repurchase? Yes!

    GummiBand Hair Cords – I love these. I use them every day!

    Repurchase? Yes!

    Did you spot any of your favourites?

    Love,

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  • YouTubers Made Me Buy It

    July 27, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Have you ever watched a beauty YouTuber review a product and they rave about it so you have to go buy it too? Or read a beauty blogger and saw swatches of the prettiest highlighter that you had to get? Well, there have been quite a lot of products that I’ve purchased over the past two years because I saw a cool video or I watched/read reviews. I’ll let you know if I liked the product and if I’d repurchase.

    Cosrx Acne Pimple Master Patches (read my review) – I love these, but I kind of wish they had different packages for different sizes. Sometimes I have a ton of the smallest size left over until I get a teeny, tiny whitehead.

    Repurchase? Absolutely!!

    Cosrx BHA Blackhead Power Liquid – I bought this last year and don’t know if it was working that well. I had to stop because my skin was reacting to something I was using.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Cosrx Salicylic Acid Daily Gentle Cleanser – I quite liked this cleanser and it didn’t dry out my skin too much from the salicylic acid.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    CUCNZN Blackhead Remover Suction Black Peeling Mask – This is kind of messy. If you put too much on, it can drip. It’s very hard to wash off your hands and clothes. The best way is to let it dry and then peel it.

    Repurchase? No, I’d rather try a Biore Pore strip for the face.

    Essence I Love Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base – I haven’t put this through testing yet, but I like the formula and I have noticed that it does intensify eyeshadows.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Essence Volume Stylist 18h Lash Extension Mascara –  This mascara is like $5 and it’s great! It does dry out fairly quickly, but it’s not as painful as buying a $30 tube  and having it dry out on you.

    Repurchase? Probably. I just bought two other Essence mascaras to see how they compare.

    Finishing Touch Flawless Facial Hair Remover (read my review) – It removes hair pretty well and I like the light it has attached when you turn it on.

    Repurchase? I’d get the rechargeable one if I get another one.

    Garnier All-in-One Cleansing Micellar Water – Originally, I was like, “why does everyone love this water? Isn’t it just water?” Oh, how wrong I was to think that. I love this stuff!

    Repurchase? Already have!

    Glow Recipe Watermelon Glow Sleeping Mask (read my review)- I love the smell of this. It smells so fresh and feel so nice on the skin.

    Repurchase? Yes.

    Innisfree No Sebum Mineral Powder – This powder is very finely milled and comes with a cute little puff. I’m not a huge fan of the mint smell, but it sets and mattifies my makeup nicely.

    Repurchase? Possibly.

    L’Oreal Voluminous Lash Paradise (read my review) – I compared this to the Too Faced Better Than Sex Mascara and I’m sad to say that I’m not a fan of either one.

    Repurchase? No.

    Makeup Eraser The Original Makeup Eraser (read my review) – I saw this in a BuzzFeed video, I believe and had to see if it really worked. I really like it because it’s so soft.

    Repurchase? I bought a dupe that was a 4-pack, so it’ll take me a while, but I’d repurchase when I need to.

    Maybelline FaceStudio Master Chrome Metallic Highlighter (read my review) – This is a beautiful highlighter that gives that wet, metallic look.

    Repurchase? Yes, I really want some of the other shades.

    Maybelline Fit Me Foundation – I’ve tried the Matte + Poreless and the Hydrate + Smooth, I preferred the Hydrate + Smooth because it gave a dewy finish.

    Repurchase? No. No more drugstore foundations for me.

    Maybelline Lash Sensational Mascara – I read that the Meghan Markle, the Duchess of Sussex, uses this (don’t know if she still does) and I had to try it for myself.

    Repurchase? I bought this, but haven’t tried it yet.

    Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Concealer + Corrector – This smells like chemicals to me.

    Repurchase? No, I’d rather get the Maybelline Fit Me Concealer.

    Maybelline Super Stay Better Skin Skin-Transforming Foundation – This was the first drugstore foundation I got. I bought the wrong shade and back then, I didn’t know what primer was or that you had to wet the sponge. Knowing what I know now, I could probably get a better match and get a more beautiful application, but no more drugstore foundations for me.

    Repurchase? No. I didn’t love the smell of this.

    Nars Sheer Glow Foundation – If you read my Mid-Year Inventory on Foundations (click here), you’ll know that I’m looking to find high-end foundations with different finishes and coverage. I didn’t love this one and I’d rather get the Lancome Miracle Cushion Foundation as my sheer foundation.

    Repurchase? No.

    NYX Setting Spray (Matte) – I think I’d rather pay a little more for a better quality setting spray. I don’t know if this helped a whole lot, but it made my eyes water.

    Repurchase? No.

    Physician’s Formula Butter Highlighter – Why pay $50 when you can pay a fraction of that for a gorgeous, butter highlighter?

    Repurchase? Absolutely!! I need more shades!!!

    Physician’s Formula Murumuru Butter Butter Bronzer – Blends like a dream and smells so good (which is surprising because I’m not a huge fan of scented things!!)

    Repurchase? Definitely!!

    Pixi Glow Tonic – I got a pack that had a travel-size bottle of this and I will definitely be picking up a bigger size when I’m done my current toner.

    Repurchase? Definitely!! (UPDATE: I think I’m allergic to witch hazel which means I can no longer use this).

    Pixi Hydrating Milky Mist (read my review) – I love Pixi and it smells so good and keeps the face hydrated.

    Repurchase? YES!

    Pixi Peel & Polish (read my review) – I liked this, but it smells like paint to me and I’ve found other brands I like better.

    Repurchase? Probably not.

    Real Techniques Miracle Complexion Sponge (read my review) – This sponge gets huge when it’s damp and I love that it has a flat side. I bought this at Winners (4 pack for $20) which was cheaper than at the drugstore.

    Repurchase? Absolutely! At Winners though.

    Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler – I didn’t know what I was missing until I bought this eyelash curler. Previously, I’ve used a Tweezerman, Revlon and Sephora lash curler, but this one beats all of those.

    Repurchase? When I need to buy a new one, yes!! Although I hear that the Shiseido one is good too and you can buy just the refills for that.

    Wet N Wild MegaGlo Highlighting Powder – So pretty!! I wish I could get more shades, but Wet N Wild is hard to find in Canada and Rexall only has a selection of Wet N Wild products.

    Repurchase? If I can get my hands on it, yes!!

    A lot of the products on this list, I would repurchase. For most of these, I heard more than a few good reviews, which made me buy them. So, it’s no surprise that I love them too.

    What products have you bought because of a YouTuber’s recommendations?

    Love,

    jen

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  • November/December 2017 Faves

    January 19, 2018

    Hi Everyone!

    Here are November & December’s faves:

    media-20171117Clean and Clear Morning Burst Fruit Infusions Purifying Cleanser is my fave to use in the morning. There are strawberry seeds in it that gently exfoliate. It may not give me that squeaky clean feel like cleansers from The Face Shop, but the refreshing citrus scent helps me wake up in the morning.

    sss.jpgI love the Dove Nutritive Solutions Coconut and Hydration Shampoo. It smells good and makes my hair feel smooth and moisturized. It’s scented with coconut water and sweet lime. I’ve used a few other Dove shampoos, but I think this one smells the best so far out of the ones I’ve tried: Energize, Daily Moisture and Cool Moisture.

    20171115_195053.jpgI bought the Shu Uemura Eyelash Curler during the Sephora sale (check out my haul here!) and I must say that I am loving it! I got it for $25 CAD. It just works so much better than the other ones I’ve used and I don’t have to worry about it pinching my eyelid by accident. I’ve used several other curlers, I still have a Tweezerman and a Sephora one. The Tweezerman is a pretty good dupe in terms of how the curler looks, but you can feel the difference when you squeeze the curler to curl your lashes. The shu is almost springy whereas the Tweezerman opens really wide. It’s hard to describe unless you have both and you’re trying them out. I have a purple Sephora one and it’s definitely not suited for Asian/hooded eyes (especially if your lashes are short). I don’t think any of the Sephora ones would be good for Asians (even though they might be $5 cheaper or around the same price, I’d rather spend $25 on the shu. For the Sephora one, I have to hold it at an angle just to get the curler to line up with my lashes.

    media-20180129ee-e1517269390787.jpgI only wish they sold replacement pads separately (it comes with one replacement in the box), but then you need to buy a new curler. I’ve heard the Shiseido ones fit in the curler, but they’re just a tad shorter than the shu ones and Sephora sells replacements for $8 CAD. It’s a bit ridiculous because on the box it says that a rubber pad will last about 3 months and you should replace the whole curler once the refill pad has worn down. I don’t use my eyelash curler daily, but my other eyelash curlers’ pads have lasted longer than 3 months. I wish they sold replacement pads separately. I think it’s too expensive to have to shell out another $25 every six months according to the box.

    media-20180301jjj.jpgSmashbox’s Photo Finish Hydrating Under Eye Primer and Essence’s I 🖤 Colour Intensifying Eyeshadow Base. The Smashbox helps brighten my under eyes and the Essence eyeshadow base makes my shadow colours even more vibrant and it’s less than $6!

    media-20171209ddI love both of these powder bronzers that I got as deluxe samples from Sephora. I would definitely buy the full-sized versions. I have loved everything I’ve tried that’s from Tarte (except for the Opening Act Lash Primer), so it’s no surprise I love this bronzer. I have Tarte’s Amazonian Clay Waterproof Bronzer in Park Ave Princess and Too Faced Chocolate Soleil Bronzer in Medium/Deep Matte. Both blend well and are great for contouring.

    cI am loving this original Tory Burch perfume…it’s a mix of citrus and floral and great for winter and fall. I use Giorgio Armani’s Acqua Di Gioia in the spring and summer because it’s got that acquatic, fresh smell. I love the bottle of the Tory Burch perfume and it makes me feel more grown up. It has neroli, grapefruit and peony to name a few notes.

    sdaI’m loving the GummiBand hair cords. They don’t make my hair crease after wearing my hair up for hours and they don’t tug on my hair like regular hair bands. I love the colour variety and they’re a Canadian brand!

    Read my review and get a coupon code for the GummiBand hair cords!

     

    Everyone loves a red lip for the holidays. This L’Oreal Infallible Le Rouge lipstick in 337 Refined Ruby is a beautiful satiny blue-red. I don’t wear red that often so finding a beautiful red at a drugstore price was my goal.

    What were your faves from November and December?

    Check out my other monthly favourites:
    2017
     Sept/Oct

    Love,

    jen

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